Former CQU graduate and psychologist Sarah-Jane Lippett busted drug driving

A ‘significant’ meth problem took a rapid hold on an accomplished CQU graduate, causing her life and career to spiral out of control.

Sarah-Jane Lippett, 38, pleaded guilty on January 11, 2023, in Rockhampton Magistrates Court to one count each of drug driving, unlawful use of a vehicle, possessing a drug utensil and failing to appear in court.

One of CQUniversity’s first Indigenous psychology graduates, who worked for more than a decade in the mental health industry, has faced court for criminal and traffic charges after her life spiralled out of control due to ice.

Sarah-Jane Lippett was busted driving with methamphetamines in her system in July 2021, then forensic evidence linked her to a car stolen in August 2021. She was also busted with a glass pipe used to smoke drugs.

The mother of three pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Wednesday to one count each of drug driving, unlawful use of a vehicle, possessing a drug utensil and failing to appear in court.

The petite tattooed woman was represented by lawyer Brendan Gimbert, who told the court drugs had been an issue for her.

Sarah-Jane Lippett, 38, pleaded guilty on January 11, 2023, in Rockhampton Magistrates Court to one count each of drug driving, unlawful use of a vehicle, possessing a drug utensil and failing to appear in court.

“It wasn’t until she experimented with ice that things spiralled for her,” he said.

Mr Gimbert said the 28-year-old lost her job as a psychologist as a result of her drug addiction.

According to an article on CQUniversity’s website, which included a photo of a younger-looking Lippett, she was among the first Indigenous psychology graduates for the educational institution’s Nulloo Yumbah centre and graduated in 2006.

Mr Gimbert told the court his client had a bed waiting for her at a Sunshine Coast drug rehabilitation centre, where she will live for the next six months before moving into a transition back into society program.

Mr Gimbert said it was unlikely his client would return to Rockhampton.

Police prosecutor Mirren Smith said the stolen car was located in November and Lippett’s fingerprints were found on a mirror inside the car.

Mr Gimbert said his client, who now lives off a Newstart allowance, could not recall being in the vehicle but thought she may have used a mirror when she applied makeup.

“She is at a loss to explain why her fingerprints were there,” he said.

Lippett had ice in her system when she was involved in a traffic crash on the Bruce Highway at Allenstown about 11.15am on July 21, 2021.

Magistrate Grace Kahlert said it was “very tragic” that someone who worked in a professional role had their life “spiral out of control so rapidly into a significant addiction”.

She said Lippett had a very dated and limited criminal record where her last conviction was in 2010 for minor offending.

Lippett was placed on probation for 12 months and disqualified from driving for three months.

No convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Former CQU graduate and psychologist Sarah-Jane Lippett busted drug driving